The career Da Vinci code

Ron Howard and Tom Hanks are at it again – this weekThe Da Vinci Code hits the theatres. They havealready traveled to the moon together, and now, well,they are on to a new conspiracy theory.

The Da Vinci Code is all the rage these days. Iremember a client of mine recommending the bookwhen it first came out, before it became the mega hit itis today. As the movie is released around the world,there will be all kinds of ways to experience the DaVinci Code – online, on DVD, on the moviescreen.

Opportunity often comes to us at the strangest time.Sal Riina (president of Gem-sen) was attending anindustry show in Las Vegas last year. As Sal and hiswife were waiting in line for a bus after the show, theystarted discussing The Da Vinci Code. Theirconversation was overheard by a person waiting infront of them. This person happened to be anexecutive with Sony Pictures, the producer of themovie: “We started talking, and one thing led toanother” said Sal.

Sal’s company, Gem-sen, is based in Vaughan, Ontario.It has won the Canadian rights for all Da VinciCode merchandise – a pretty terrific outcome forbeing in the right place at the right time!

There is a lot of truth to that statement when it comesto opportunity in our careers. I do believe, however,that there are a few other things that also play out ingetting these “mega opportunities”. You have to beopen, pay attention, and be curious. And youultimately have to follow through and be able to deliverthe goods – just as Gem-sen hopes to be delivering alot of goods and all the royalties attached!

I find it interesting that big opportunities need help –Sony needed Sal as much as Sal needed Sony. Nexttime you are in line, open your ears to otherpossibilities. You never know what you may be in linefor.